The cleaner machines do a decent job. Plus all the grit and funk is captured in the reservoir rather than all over your bike, the floor, you.

I like citrus cleaner. Works well and doesn't stink to hell and gone like most cleaners do.

For lubricant, I have two favorites.

I live in Seattle and have ridden in rain so hard I could hear it pinging off my top tube. So, in winter, I use Phil's Tenacious Oil. As the name implies, once you put it on, it stays on. If you go this route, be ready to wipe down your drive train after every ride.


I also use Boeshield. It's a little expensive, but the stuff is wonderful. It'll also help clean your chain when you put it on.